Biological Risks in Maize Production System and Farmers’ Risk Management in Phayao Province

Abstract

Maize is the second major economic cash crop, next to rice, of Phayao province. It is produced in both rainy and dry seasons. Farmers had identified pests as the major production problem, which included animals, plant diseases, insects and weeds. This research aimed to assess the extent of biological risk in rainy season maize production system in Phayao province, and to identify the ways farmers manage the biological risk. The study methods consisted of secondary data collection, field survey, farmer interview, covering 226 farmers in 23 sub-districts of 7 districts of Phayao province. The sampling and survey areas were based on the Land Use Database of the Core System. All relevant data were processed to analyze for biological risk from June to October, 2006. The results showed that animal pests constituted highest risk with severity index 12.34%, followed by weeds, insect pests and plant diseases with 6.00, 3.53 and 1.36%, respectively. Farmers used environmental-friendly approach of integrated pest management practices to reduce production cost and agricultural chemical use. The system consisted of use of resistant varieties, cultural practice, mechanical control and safe-use of chemicals.